DEL MAR
Race 4
No. 12 PARTYINTHEPADDOCK: First time starter for trainer Carla Gaines, who is having a tough meet, ran her heart out in this race. Just could not keep up with the 7/5 chalk and finished second more than six lengths clear of the third place horse in a field of 10. Will be a nice play next time out. $$$$$
Race 5
No. 6 KLIMT: Was exiting our HTW list as a $$$$$ play and won for fun here in the Grade 2 Best Pal. This one could be Baffert’s Kentucky Derby horse this year. We will keep him on our list and see what happens as the distances get longer.
Race 8
No. 13 WITH HONORS: First time starter for Keith Desormeaux had Prat riding. This filly was ready to roll and showed some real guts as she was passed then came back to score while under a snug late hold. You will see she won by a half-length but it could have been more.
Race 9
No. 8 BIG GRAY ROCKET: It was all the talk of the paddock and airways how this 2yo colt was the second coming for Baffert. He was sent off at 60 cents on the dollar and as the racing gods would have it he hesitated at the start. Was off last in this 10 horse field going 5½ furlongs and looked hopelessly beaten. Made a huge late run and was gaining with every big stride to finish second in a race he was much the best. Will be odds-on again next time out but a solid single in the picks.